"Your superior?—why, he's in citizen's dress."
"He is not obliged to wear the ecclesiastical garb."
"Rubbish! since he is not in uniform, and there is no provost-marshal in your troop, send him to the—"
"Believe me, I would not hesitate a minute, if it were possible to remain."
"I was right in disliking the phi of that man," muttered Dagobert between his teeth. Then he added, with an air of impatience and vexation: "Shall I tell him that he will much oblige us by marching off by himself?"
"I beg you not to do so," said Gabriel; "it would be useless; I know my
duty, and have no will but my superior's. As soon as you arrive in Paris,
I will come and see you, as also my adopted mother, and my dear brother,
Agricola."
"Well—if it must be. I have been a soldier, and know what subordination is," said Dagobert, much annoyed. "One must put a good face on bad fortune. So, the day after to-morrow, in the Rue Brise-Miche, my boy; for they tell me I can be in Paris by to-morrow evening, and we set out almost immediately. But I say—there seems to be a strict discipline with you fellows!"
"Yes, it is strict and severe," answered Gabriel, with a shudder, and a stifled sigh.
"Come, shake hands—and let's say farewell for the present. After all, twenty-four hours will soon pass away."
"Adieu! adieu!" replied the missionary, much moved, whilst he returned the friendly pressure of the veteran's hand.